Bill
HB 638
Bill HB 638 enhances rental applications by ensuring transparency in tenant screening, regulating fees, and allowing reusable reports, benefiting both tenants and landlords.
Bill HB 638 was introduced on January 17, 2025, with the intent to amend the Residential Landlord-Tenant Code. The primary sponsor of the bill is LA CHICA. As of February 5, 2025, the bill has been recommended for deferral by the committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce (CPC).
The main purpose of HB 638 is to enhance the rental application process for tenants and landlords by addressing several key areas related to tenant screening. The bill aims to improve transparency and fairness in the rental market, ensuring that both landlords and prospective tenants have clear guidelines regarding the use of tenant screening reports.
HB 638 includes several significant provisions that would impact the landlord-tenant relationship:
Certified Copies: The bill proposes regulations regarding the provision of certified copies of tenant screening reports to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Credit Report: It mandates that landlords must disclose the criteria used for evaluating credit reports as part of the rental application process.
Criminal Background Check: The bill outlines requirements for conducting criminal background checks, including the necessity for landlords to inform applicants about how this information will be used.
Rental Application Screening Fee: HB 638 seeks to regulate the fees that landlords can charge for rental application screenings, aiming to prevent excessive charges that could deter potential tenants.
Reusable Tenant Screening Report: The legislation encourages the use of reusable tenant screening reports, allowing tenants to share their screening results with multiple landlords, thereby reducing redundancy and costs.
The provisions of HB 638 would primarily affect:
Tenants: Prospective renters would benefit from clearer guidelines and potentially lower costs associated with rental applications. The ability to use reusable screening reports could also streamline the application process.
Landlords: Landlords would need to adapt their screening processes to comply with the new regulations, ensuring they provide necessary disclosures and adhere to fee limitations.
HB 638 has a companion bill, SB 1662, which addresses similar issues within the residential landlord-tenant framework.
Bill HB 638 represents an effort to modernize and clarify the rental application process, aiming to create a more equitable environment for both tenants and landlords. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, its provisions may evolve, reflecting stakeholder feedback and further discussions within the committees.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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